System and method for selectively provisioning telecommunications services between an access point and a telecommunications network using a subscriber identifier

ABSTRACT

A method and system for reducing network load by selectively provisioning services between an access point and a carrier network is disclosed. The access point supports telecommunications services over an IP network. The access point includes a network connection and a telephone connector capable of connecting to a standard landline telephone. The access point also includes at least one detection component that detects whether a landline telephone is plugged in to the telephone connector. The access point is configured to provision a telecommunications services through the IP network when it detects that an identification module is present.

BACKGROUND

In this digital age, modern telecommunication service providers anddevice manufacturers are increasingly relying on public and/or privateIP networks, including the Internet, as a core part of their technology.For example, many telecommunications service providers now offer a suiteof Voice over IP (VoIP) services, as well as various data services, thatutilize IP networks and/or IP-based wireless access networks for atleast part of their infrastructure. For example, these IP-based wirelessaccess networks may be based on IEEE 802.16 (“WiMAX”), IEEE 802.20Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), 802.11wireless fidelity (“Wi-Fi”), Bluetooth, and similar standards. Likewise,device manufacturers are producing a new generation of mobile devicessuch as wireless handhelds, wireless handsets, mobile phones, personaldigital assistants, notebook computers, and similar devices. Thesedevices are enabled to send and receive information using IP-basedtelecommunications services. In fact, many of today's modern mobiledevices are able to function as “dual-mode devices” that take advantageof both cellular network technologies and IP-based technologies.

Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology has developed as part of thistrend to incorporate IP solutions into mobile device telecommunicationsystems. UMA technology has been accepted into Release 6 of the 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) and is also referred to as GenericAccess Network (GAN) technology. In various implementation schemes, UMAallows wireless service providers to merge cellular networks (such asGlobal System for Mobile Communications (GSM)) networks and IP-basedwireless networks into one seamless service (with one mobile device, oneuser interface, and a common set of network services for both voice anddata). One goal of UMA is to allow subscribers to move transparentlybetween cellular networks and IP-based wireless networks with seamlessvoice and data session continuity, much like they can transparently movebetween cells within the cellular network. Seamless in-call handoverbetween the IP-based wireless network and the cellular network ensuresthat the user's location and mobility do not affect the servicesdelivered to the user.

At an operational level, UMA technology effectively creates a parallelradio access network, the UMA network, which interfaces to the mobilecore network using standard mobility-enabled interfaces. For example,UMA can replace a system's GSM radio technology on the lower protocollayers with a wireless LAN, or similar technology. A call or othercommunication may be tunneled to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) of amobile service provider via an access point (e.g., a WiFi access pointconnected to a modem via the Internet) and gateway (e.g., a UMA networkcontroller). In many cases, the mobile core network remains unchanged,making it much easier to maintain full service and operationaltransparency and allowing other aspects of the service infrastructure toremain in place. For example, in many systems that utilize UMA, theexisting service provider's business support systems (BSS), servicedelivery systems, content services, regulatory compliance systems, andoperation support systems (OSS) can support the UMA network withoutchange. Likewise, service enhancements and technology evolution of themobile core network apply transparently to both cellular access and UMA.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates aspects of a sample network system that allowsIP-based communications in conjunction with a public switched telephonenetwork (PSTN).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example converged wireless network system thatcombines a cellular network with an IP-based wireless telecommunicationsnetwork.

FIG. 3 illustrates the back panel of an access point capable ofsupporting two landline telephones in addition to a wireless connection.

FIG. 4 illustrates a timing diagram of actions in a UMA network forprovisioning telecommunications services.

FIG. 5A illustrates a block diagram of an access point capable ofselectively provisioning a connection for a landline telephone.

FIG. 5B illustrates a circuit suitable for using electricalcharacteristics to detect that an identifier module is present.

FIG. 5C illustrates a circuit suitable for using mechanicalcharacteristics to detect that an identifier module is present.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process for selectively provisioningtelecommunications services between a landline telephone and an IP-basednetwork.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description provides specific details for a thoroughunderstanding of, and enabling description for, various embodiments ofthe technology. One skilled in the art will understand that thetechnology may be practiced without these details. In some instances,well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of theembodiments of the technology. It is intended that the terminology usedin the description presented below be interpreted in its broadestreasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with adetailed description of certain embodiments of the technology. Althoughcertain terms may be emphasized below, any terminology intended to beinterpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specificallydefined as such in this Detailed Description section.

I. Sample Network Configurations

FIG. 1 illustrates aspects of a sample network system 100 that allowsVoIP-based communications in conjunction with a public switchedtelephone network (PSTN) 102. The system 100 includes at least onewireless access point 104. The access point 104 may be public orprivate, and may be located, for example, in a subscriber's residence(e.g., home, apartment or other residence), in a public location (e.g.,coffee shops, retail stores, libraries, or schools) or in corporate orother private locations. In the sample system of FIG. 1, the accesspoint 104 can accept communications 106 from at least one suitablyconfigured telecommunications device 108 (e.g., a VoIP device). Variousexamples of network technology that may be involved in communicatingbetween the telecommunications device 108 and the access point 104include the IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20 Mobile Broadband WirelessAccess (MBWA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), 802.11 wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi),Bluetooth standards, or other similar standards. The access point 104includes a wireless router 110 and a broadband modem 112 that enableconnection to an Internet Protocol (IP) network 114. The IP network 114may comprise one or more public networks, private networks, orcombination of public and private networks.

In a communication or set of communications 106, the access point 104receives IP packets from the telecommunications device 108. These IPpackets are then transported through the IP network 114 to a signalinggateway 116, which in the example of FIG. 1, is operated by atelecommunications service provider. At the signaling gateway 116, theIP packets are converted to a traditional phone service signal. Thephone service signal is then conveyed to a recipient via the PSTN 102.

The network system 100 of FIG. 1 also includes a call controller 118that provides call logic and call control functions for communicationssent through the system and an application server 120 that provideslogic and execution of one or more applications or services offered bythe telecommunications service provider, such as applications thatimplement various access and security rules. In this example, atelecommunication service provider manages both the call controller 118and the application server 120.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example converged wireless network system thatcombines a cellular network with an IP-based wireless telecommunicationsnetwork. In general, with respect to the network system described inFIG. 2, because the same cellular protocols are used in communicationsinvolving IP access points as with traditional radio towers, thecellular service provider maintains a large degree of systemcompatibility even though using an IP-based network. For example, thevarious systems of the cellular service provider that deliver contentand handle mobility may not even need to be aware that a subscriber'smobile device is on an IP-based wireless telecommunications network.Instead, the various systems of the cellular service provider assume themobile device is on its native cellular network. The IP network is,therefore, abstracted with respect to the cellular network, regardlessof whether the mobile device connects to the cellular network via a basestation (e.g., for licensed spectrum access) or a wireless access point(e.g., for licensed, semilicensed and/or unlicensed spectrum access—suchas spectrums for IP-based wireless telecommunications). Likewise, at aprotocol level, because the same cellular protocols are used incommunications involving the IP access points as with traditional radiotowers, the cellular service provider maintains a large degree of systemcompatibility even though using an IP-based network.

Referring to FIG. 2, a sample network system 200 combines a cellulartelephone network 202 (such as a GSM network) and an IP network 204 in aUMA-type configuration that provides service to the user of a mobiledevice 206 or a landline telephone 236. Such service may include voiceservices, and also supplementary services such as call forwarding andcall waiting, text messaging services (e.g., SMS), and data-basedservices like ring tone downloads, game downloads, picture messaging,email and web browsing. Further, since the mobile device 206 isconnected to an IP network, all manner of data services available oversuch networks may be provided to the mobile device 206.

In general, the described network system 200 accepts registrationrequests from the mobile device 206. The accepted registration requestscan be requests to either the cellular telephone network 202 or to theIP-based network 204. Accordingly, to handle requests to the cellulartelephone network 202, the cellular telephone network 202 includes oneor more cell towers 208 that are configured to accept cellularcommunications 210 from the mobile device 206. The cell towers 208 areconnected to a base station controller 212 (such as a base stationcontroller/radio network controller (BSC/RNC)) via a private network214. The private network 214 can include a variety of connections (notshown) such as T1 lines, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network(LAN), various network switches, and other similar components.

The base station controller 212 controls communication traffic to acarrier core network 216, where all communications are managed(including both cellular and IP-based). Components of the carrier corenetwork 216 in this example include a switch (e.g., a mobile switchingcenter or MSC) 218, which is configured to control data/call flows andperform load balancing, as well as other functions. The carrier corenetwork 216 may also include a variety of system databases such as anoperation support subsystem (OSS) database 220, a business supportsystem (BSS) database 222, and home location register (HLR) 224 or othercentral subscriber database that contains details of a carrier'ssubscribers for billing, call logging, etc.

The sample network system 200 of FIG. 2 further includes one or moreaccess points 226 that can accept IP-based communications 228 from themobile device 206. For example, each access point 226 can be configuredas part of a wireless network in one or more locations such as a publicnetwork 230, a home network 232, or a private business network 234. Eachaccess point 226 is coupled to the IP network 204 through, for example,a broadband connection (not shown) such as a DSL (Digital SubscriberLine) modem, a cable modem, a satellite modem, or any other broadbanddevice.

In addition, the access points 226 may be configured with one or morelandline telephone connectors. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates the backpanel of an access point 226 capable of supporting two landlinetelephones (e.g. traditional landline telephones and cordlesstelephones) in addition to a wireless connection. The access point 226includes a WAN connector 304, which connects the access point 226 to theIP network 204. The access point 230 also includes a plurality of dataconnectors 306 that connect to computers or other devices and are usedto carry data traffic. The access point 226 has one or more antennas 308that support wireless connections for data transmission, such as for anIP-based telecommunications connection. Finally, the access point 226includes two telephone connectors 302, which can accept a cableconnecting to a landline telephone. In most cases, this is implementedas a RJ-11 connector, but one skilled in the art will appreciate thatother standard connectors could be used, including a RJ-14 or RJ-25connector. The access point 226 also includes a port, slot, or socket(shown in FIG. 5) configured to accept an identifier module that storesdata associated with a subscriber or a voice connection, such as asubscriber identifier. The memory device may include a tamper-resistantmemory that may store information used to enable a device to connect tothe carrier network 216 and to authenticate the device to the carriernetwork 216. For example, the subscriber identifier may be a unique orrare secure identification number associated with a subscriber, anorganization, or a calling plan. In a UMA system, the slot is configuredto accept a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card similar to those usedfor GSM mobile devices. The access point 226 may include a separate slotfor each telephone connector 302 to allow each landline telephone 236 tobe separately authorized.

Returning to FIG. 2, a landline telephone 236 is connected to the accesspoint 232 through a standard wired connection 238 to one of thetelephone connections 302. In this configuration, the access point 226converts the incoming analog voice signal into digital form andencapsulates the signal for transmission over the IP network 204. Asdiscussed below, the access point 226 also communicates with thesecurity gateway 240 or the network controller 242 to authorize thelandline telephone to make calls through the carrier network 216. Theaccess point 226 is generally configured to provision a separateconnection for each telephone connector 302.

In some configurations, the access point 226 includes components toprovide the connected landline telephone with a simulation of a PlainOld Telephone Service (POTS) network. For example, the access point 226may act as a POTS end office by providing a dial tone when the userlifts the telephone off the hook if there is a connection to the carriernetwork. The access point may also provide calling name and number forincoming calls by translating the data from the IP-basedtelecommunications format to the format used by a POTS caller IDservice. It may similarly provide the ability to toggle between callsfor call waiting using the standard flash hook by translating the POTSsignal into the equivalent UMA or GSM format. The access point 226 mayalso provide a standard POTS stutter dial tone to indicate new voicemail. The access point 226 could do this by periodically querying thecarrier network 216 to determine if new voice mail is available andproviding the stutter dial tone if the carrier network indicates thatthere is new voice mail. Alternatively, or in addition to the stuttertone, the access point 226 may include an indicator (e.g. a flashinglight) to notify the user that new voice mail is available.

When the mobile device 206 attempts to access the IP network 204 (i.e.,to initiate an IP-based communication), information (e.g., data, voice,SMS, etc.) is initially formatted in the cellular system's 202 nativeprotocol and then encapsulated into Internet Protocol (IP) packets,which are transmitted to the access point 226 and routed through the IPnetwork 204 to a security gateway 240. In contrast to non-IPcommunication requests, such transmissions bypass the cellular telephonesystem's 202 existing network of radio towers. Similarly, when thelandline telephone 236 attempts to make a call through the IP network204, the access point 232 encapsulates the voice signal into IP packetsthat are then routed through the IP network 204 to the security gateway240. The security gateway 240 controls access to a network controller242, which communicates with a data store 246 for logging and accessingcommunications data. Thus, one function of the network controller 242 isto manage access to the carrier network 216 when dealing with anIP-based communication (in a similar manner to that performed by thebase station controller 212 for a non-IP-based communication).

In one example, authentication of a request for access by the mobiledevice 206 or the access point 226 over the IP network 204 is handled bythe security gateway 240, which communicates with an authentication,access and authorization (AAA) module 244 that is most likely associatedwith the carrier network 216. Challenges and responses to requests foraccess by the mobile device 206 or the access point 232 are communicatedbetween the HLR 224 and the AAA module 244. When authorization isgranted, the security gateway 240 communicates the assignment of an IPaddress to the mobile device 206 or access point 226 that requestedaccess. Once the security gateway 240 passes the IP address to themobile device 206 or access point 226, the public IP address assigned tothe device is passed to the network controller 242.

In another authorization example, upon receiving identificationinformation from the mobile device 206, the network controller 242 mayquery the data store 246 to determine if the mobile device 206 isauthorized for accessing the IP network 204. Sample identifiers that maybe utilized to determine access include a media access control (MAC)address associated with an access point, a mobile device or subscriberidentifier (such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier(IMSI)), an Internet Protocol (IP) address (or “Public IP address”)associated with the access point, a fully qualified domain name (FQDN),or other similar types of information. The data store 246 may be asingle database, table, or list, or a combination of databases, tables,or lists, such as one for IP addresses 248, one of MAC addresses 250,one for subscriber identifiers 252, and one for FQDNs 254. The datastore 246 may include “blocked” identifiers as well as “authorized”identifiers. Authorized accesses to the IP-based wirelesstelecommunications network may be maintained by the network controller242 in an authorized session table or similar data construct.

In some cases, the signaling portion of a communication (e.g., theportion of the communication that governs various overhead aspects ofthe communication such as, for example, when the call starts, when thecall stops, initiating a telephone ring, etc.) is routed through thenetwork controller 242 to the switch 218, while the voice bearer portionof the communication (e.g., the portion of the communication thatcontains the actual content (either data or voice information) of thecommunication) is routed through the network controller 242 to a mediagateway 256. In other words, the media gateway 256 controls the contentflow between the service provider and the mobile device 206, while theswitch 218 controls the signaling flow (or controls overhead-relatedflow) between the service provider and the mobile device 216.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a timing diagram 400 of steps in a UMAnetwork for provisioning telecommunications services, includingregistering a mobile device and facilitating a call from the mobiledevice 206. However, as noted herein, the disclosed system is notlimited to UMA services and may include any other service suitable forproviding telecommunications services. For example, the disclosed systemmay also be configured to provide access using licensed frequency bands.The call registration process is illustrated by communication steps402-412, while the calling process is illustrated by communication steps414-422. The steps of the timing diagram 400 may also be used to supportcalls from a landline telephone 236 connected to the access point 226.In those cases, the registration and calling processes are initiated bythe access point 226, rather than the mobile device 206.

At step 402, mobile device 206 or the access point 226 initiates a callby sending a request to register to the security gateway 240. Thesecurity gateway 240 replies with an authentication challengecommunicated back to the mobile device 206 or access point 226 at step404. At step 406, the mobile device 206 or access point 226 responds tothe authentication challenge with a response communicated to securitygateway 240. Also at step 406, the security gateway 240 communicates apublic IP address assigned to the access point 226 to the networkcontroller 242. The mobile device 206 also communicates a subscriberidentifier (such as the IMSI ID) and a Cell Global Identifier (CGI)record (CGI_(REAL)) to the security gateway 240. The CGI record is anidentifier in a GSM network that uniquely identifies a base stationinitiating a call through the core network. In a UMA connection from amobile device 206, CGI_(REAL) is the CGI record for the nearest basestation 208. For a connection from an access point 226, CGI_(REAL) maybe a hard-coded value unique to the access point 226 or may be selectedbased on other criteria, such as geographic location. At step 408, thesecurity gateway 240 transmits the subscriber identifier, CGI_(REAL),and the MAC address (MAC_(AP)) from the access point 226 to the networkcontroller 242.

The mobile device 206 or access point 226 may also send connection typedata indicating how the device is connected to the carrier network orwhat device is making such a connection. In a UMA (or GSM) network, thisdata is sent as a classmark, which indicates service, equipment, andradio capabilities. Thus, the connection type data has a first classmarkvalue associated with the mobile device 206, and a second classmarkvalue associated with the access point 226. Alternatively, theconnection type data may specify the type of network being used toconnect to the carrier network 216. In this implementation, the mobiledevice 206 sends a first classmark value when the mobile device 206connects through the cellular network 202 and a second classmark valuewhen the mobile device 206 connects through the IP Network 204.Similarly, the access point 226 transmits the second value when itconnects through the IP Network 204 to provision a connection for thelandline telephone 236.

At step 408, network controller 242 communicates with data store 246,which replies with CGI_(BILLING) at step 410. CGI_(BILLING) is used bythe UMA network to ensure that the call is billed correctly. Billing isdetermined based on the information received in step 408. For example,billing may be determined based on the subscriber identifier alone or incombination with the connection type data/classmark. In oneimplementation, the network controller 242 provides different billingfor the subscriber depending on whether the connection type dataindicates that the subscriber is connecting through the cellular network202 or the IP network 204. Thus, in a UMA network the network controller242 may provide unmetered calling if the SIM card is used in the accesspoint 226 and per-minute charging if the SIM card is used in a mobiledevice 206. For example, if a SIM card from the mobile device 206 wereinserted into the access point 226, then landline calls made throughthat access point would incur cellular calling minutes for the callingplan that is associated with that mobile device SIM. Thus, any SIM wouldwork for provisioning land line service through the access point, butthe billing rate would differ. (However, if conversely the SIM from theaccess point 226 were inserted into the mobile device 206, then accessmay be denied, based at least in part on the transmitted classmark.)

The network controller 242 may be configured to use the subscriberidentifier to determine eligibility for price plans. For example, amanufacturer or service provider may produce or distribute identifiermodules having certain ranges of consecutively numbered subscriberidentifiers. The network then allows devices having a subscriberidentifier that falls within a certain range to have access under acertain pricing plan. This technique may be used to ensure thatfavorably-priced fixed line subscriptions are available to landlinetelephones, while mobile devices are restricted to accessing the serviceusing mobile rates. The network may also provide two or more differingprice plans or billing rates based on two or more differing ranges ofsubscriber identifiers. Many other alternatives are of course possible,such as specific codes or characters included in or algorithmicallyderived from subscriber identifiers to determine specific pricing plansassociated with those subscriber identifiers.

The network controller 242 may also perform other types ofauthentication during this step. For example, current FederalCommunications Commission regulations require that fixed VoIPconnections must be associated with a physical or geographic address inorder to enable enhanced 911 emergency services (E911). Thus, thenetwork controller 242 may also confirm that the data store 246 includesan E911 address for the access point 226 before allowing the voiceconnection. For example, the network controller 242 may use thesubscriber identifier as an index to look up an E911 address and rejectthe connection if no address is found.

At step 412, network controller 242 communicates a registrationcompletion message to the mobile device 206. Once the registration iscompleted, mobile device 206 or access point 226 communicates withnetwork controller 242 to request a call at step 414. At step 416, thenetwork controller 242 communicates the subscriber identifier andCGI_(BILLING) to switch 218. Switch 218 authorizes the call at step 418such that the device can communicate over a communication channelestablished through switch 218 at step 420. At step 422, the call isterminated and switch 218 communicates a call data record (CDR) to thebilling system (i.e. the BSS 222).

II. Selectively Provisioning Connections Between the Access Point andthe Network

A method and system for reducing network load by selectivelyprovisioning connections between an access point and the carrier networkis disclosed. One advantage of providing an IP-based telecommunicationsconnection for a landline telephone is that it allows customers to pay asingle bill for all telephone services. In addition, a landlinetelephone may be easier and more ergonomic for customers to use at homebecause such telephones do not have to be as compact as a mobile device.Also, customers may prefer to use a landline telephone because they donot have to worry about draining the battery, as they would with amobile phone. However, a problem that arises when the access point 226supports connections from a landline telephone is that it is less clearwhen the connection needs to be provisioned. As discussed above forFIGS. 1-4, every connection between a user and the carrier network usessome resources. The resources are reserved (and thus inaccessible forothers) even if the connection is not currently in use. Thus, it isdesirable that the system reserve resources only when they are needed. Amobile device 206 is generally configured with identifying information(such as the IMSI or other unique or rare secure identifier) that thenetwork can use to verify authorization. However, a landline telephonelacks these identifiers. It would be a waste of resources to provision acall when the user is not authorized to connect.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an access point 226 capable ofselectively provisioning a connection for a landline telephone 232. Theaccess point 226 includes a network connection component 504 thatprovides an interface between the access point 226 and the IP network204. The network connection component 504 is connected to the networkthrough a network cable 502. The network connection component 504 may beany type known in the art, such as an Ethernet network chip. Theconnection is supported by a standard network protocol stack, such as aTCP/IP stack (not shown). Similarly, the access point 226 includes atelephone connector component 512, which is connected to a telephonecord 510. The telephone connector component receives a landlinetelephone signal through the telephone cord 510 and passes it to otherprocessing components (not shown). The other processing componentsinclude, for example, a component to convert the analog signal into adigital form and encapsulate the data for transmission. The access point226 may also have a wireless LAN (WLAN) radio component 508, which isconnected to one or more antennas 506. The WLAN radio component 508provides wireless networking support to enable mobile devices 206 toconnect as described above. The access point 226 may include other radiocomponents instead of, or in addition to, the WLAN radio component 508.For example, the access point 226 may include radio components capableof operating in licensed frequency bands using wireless standards suchas GSM or CDMA2000. The access point 226 may also include radiocomponents capable of operating in unlicensed frequency bands usingother wireless standards, such as UWB. The access point 226 also has anidentifier module slot 514, which is configured to receive an identifiermodule having a tamper-resistant memory. The tamper-resistant memorystores subscriber or connection-specific data. In one implementation,this could include a SIM card similar to the cards used in, e.g., a GSMmobile device. The access point 226 also includes a settings component520, which stores configuration settings for the access point 226, suchas security settings and the IP address of the security gateway 240.

The identifier module includes information that defines the subscriber'sidentity. Identity could include any of the identification informationdescribed above, such as subscriber identifier (e.g. IMSI, mobileidentifier number (MIN), or similar identifiers) equipment identifiers(e.g. MAC address, electronic serial number (ESN), or similaridentifiers), FQDN, IP address, or a combination of these. Identitycould also be defined by a value algorithmically generated from theidentification information, such as the exclusive OR, addition, orconcatenation of two or more numbers.

The identifier module slot 514 is associated with a detection component518, which determines if an identifier module is present in theidentifier module slot 512. The detection component 518 may use anymethod known in the art to detect the identifier module. For example,FIG. 5B illustrates a simple circuit 540 suitable for using electricalcharacteristics to detect that an identifier module is present, althoughmore complex detectors may be employed, including those that read datafrom the identifier module. Two wires, 546 and 548, are electricallyconnected to the identifier module slot 544. The wires 546 and 548 areconnected so that when an identifier module 542 is inserted into theidentifier module slot 544, an electrical circuit is formed connectingwire 546 to wire 548. The wires 546 and 548 are connected to a meter550, which is configured to measure the resistance, capacitance,inductance, or other impedance in the circuit including wires 546 and548. If the identifier module slot 544 does not contain an identifiermodule, the meter 550 will detect an infinite resistance (oralternatively, a high capacitance). If an identifier module is present,the meter 550 will detect a measurable resistance (or a much smallercapacitance). The meter 550 provides the measured value to a thresholdcomparison component 552, which compares the measured value to athreshold value. The threshold comparison component 552 then determinesthat an identifier module 542 is inserted when the measured valuecrosses the threshold value. The threshold comparison component 552 canbe configured with thresholds that are determined theoretically orexperimentally. Of course, the circuit 540 can also be configured to usea combination of resistance, capacitance, inductance, or other impedanceto detect the identifier module 542. Further, the circuit 540 may readdata from the identifier module to provide more complete or thoroughdetection.

Alternatively, FIG. 5C illustrates a circuit 560 suitable for usingmechanical characteristics to detect that an identifier module ispresent. The identifier module slot 544 includes a button 562 or similarmechanical component connected to a mechanical or electromechanicalswitch 564. The switch 564 is connected to the terminals of a detector566. When an identifier module 542 is not present, the switch 564 isopen and no current can flow between the terminals of the detector 566.When an identifier module 542 is inserted, it presses the button 562,closing the switch 564 and creating a closed circuit between theterminals. Thus, the detector 566 determines that the identifier module542 is inserted when the circuit is closed.

The access point also has a connection manager component 516. Theconnection manager component 516 provisions call connections between theaccess point 226 and the carrier network 216 when the access point 226determines that the connection should be set up. The connection manager516 executes the call setup steps described above for FIGS. 1-4, such ascontacting the security gateway 240. In a UMA network, the connectionmanager component 516 implements a UMA client for connecting with thecarrier network 216.

The connection manager component 516 uses data from these components toselectively provision a connection with the carrier network. FIG. 6illustrates a process 600 for selectively provisioning a connectionbetween a landline telephone and an IP-based network. The process beginsat block 602, where the access point starts up and initializes. Duringthis step, the access point 226 executes initialization tasks, such asstarting the radio component 508 to provide wireless networking and thedata connectors 306 to provide wired data networking. In this step, theaccess point 226 also determines if it is connected to the IP network204 through the network connection component 504. This may includedetecting a physical connection to the WAN connector 304 or determiningif the access point 226 has an IP address for the WAN connection.

Once the access point 226 is running and the above (optional) checks areperformed, the system proceeds to block 604, where it attempts to detectan identifier module in the identifier module slot 514 using any methodknown in the art, such as the methods discussed above. The system thenproceeds to decision block 606, where the system selects a processingbranch depending on whether the detection component 518 found anidentifier module. If an identifier module was detected, the systemproceeds to block 608, where the connection manager component 516provisions the connection for the landline telephone. If a telephoneconnection was not detected, the system returns to block 604, where itagain attempts to detect the identifier module.

The system may, for example, be configured to loop at a specifiedinterval, such as every 3 seconds, to detect whether an identifiermodule has been inserted into the identifier module slot 514.Alternatively, the identifier module slot 514 may be configured to actas an interrupt by sending a notification signal to the connectionmanager component automatically when it detects that a module has beeninserted. In this example, the connection manager component 516 isconfigured to provision a connection in response to the interruptsignal. Additionally, the system may be configured to only check for theidentifier module at startup time, in which case the loop terminatesafter the first check. In this configuration, an access point 226provisions a connection only after restarting or resetting.

As noted above, in addition to detecting an identifier module in theidentifier module slot 514, the system in step 606 may perform otherchecks. For example the access point may transmit the stored subscriberidentifier (e.g. IMSI) to the network for validation. Alternatively oradditionally, the network may confirm that a street address isassociated with the access point (e.g. by comparing the IMSI to a storedrecord for an address associated with that IMSI) for E911 validation.

Many other alternatives or additions are possible. For example, as shownin FIG. 3, the access point 226 may have two or more telephoneconnectors 402. In this configuration, the access point 226 provisionsconnections for each connector separately. Similarly, the access point226 may contain an identifier module slot 514 for each telephoneconnector 302. The access point 226 then uses each identifier module toauthorize the connection separately. Thus, the access point 226 mayexecute the detection and provisioning steps of the method of FIG. 6independently for each connector.

Alternatively or additionally, the subscriber identifier may be providedto the network via a means different from a physical identifier moduleinserted into the access point. For example, the land line phone 236 mayhave the identifier module slot to receive the identifier module andcommunicate the IMSI or other data stored therein to the access point226 when the phone is connected to the access point 226 via telephoneconnector 302. As another example, the access point may connect to anearby identifier module that has not only tamper resistant memory, butalso capability to connect through a wired or wireless connection. Inthis example, the identifier module may be an RFID tag, or a read-onlymemory device with a small radio (e.g. Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11 radio),and the access point includes an appropriate reader, such as an RFIDreader, Bluetooth radio, etc.

III. Conclusion

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the system is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the system to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, thesystem are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalentmodifications are possible within the scope of the system, as thoseskilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processesor blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments mayperform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in adifferent order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved,added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative orsubcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented ina variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are attimes shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks mayinstead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at differenttimes. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples:alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges. Thoseskilled in the art will also appreciate that the actual implementationof a database may take a variety of forms, and the term “database” isused herein in the generic sense to refer to any data structure thatallows data to be stored and accessed, such as tables, linked lists,arrays, etc.

The teachings of the methods and system provided herein can be appliedto other systems, not necessarily the system described above. Theelements and acts of the various embodiments described above can becombined to provide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference. Aspects of the technology can be modified, ifnecessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the variousreferences described above to provide yet further embodiments of thetechnology.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description describescertain embodiments of the technology, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, theinvention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its implementation details, while still beingencompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but alsoall equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention underthe claims.

While certain aspects of the technology are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of thetechnology in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the invention is recited as embodied in a computer-readablemedium, other aspects may likewise be embodied in a computer-readablemedium. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additionalclaims after filing the application to pursue such additional claimforms for other aspects of the technology.

1. A wireless local area network (WLAN) access point configured forfacilitating IP-based communications with a telecommunications system,the system comprising: an antenna; a WLAN radio connected to the antennaand configured to provide WLAN connectivity; a network connectioncomponent configured to communicate with an IP-based network andconnected to transmit and receive data received from WLAN radio; atelephone connector component configured to accept a wired connectionwith a landline telephone; an identification module socket configured toaccept an identification module, wherein the identification moduleincludes a tamper-resistant memory and wherein the tamper-resistantmemory has stored therein a subscriber identifier, and wherein thesubscriber identity is neither a Medium Access Control (MAC) address noran electronic serial number (ESN); a detection component connected tothe telephone connector component and configured to detect if anidentification module is present in the identification module socket;and a connection manager configured to provision telecommunicationsservices between the telephone connector component and the IP-basednetwork if the detection component detects that the identificationmodule socket contains an identification module, wherein provisioningcomprises registering with a cellular telephone carrier network,providing user-specific information to the cellular telephone carriernetwork, wherein at least some of the user-specific information isprovided through out-of-band communications, and receiving a resourceallocation from the cellular telephone carrier network.
 2. The WLANaccess point of claim 1, wherein the identification module socket is aSIM card socket configured to accept a SIM card.
 3. The WLAN accesspoint of claim 1, wherein the detection component comprises a mechanicalor electromechanical switch to detect if the identification module ispresent.
 4. The WLAN access point of claim 1, wherein the detectioncomponent uses electrical characteristics of the identification modulesocket to detect the identification module, the electricalcharacteristics comprising one or more of the following: resistance,capacitance, or inductance.
 5. The WLAN access point of claim 1, whereinthe detection component is configured to generate an interrupt signalwhen the identification module is detected and wherein the connectionmanager is configured to provision the telecommunications services inresponse to the interrupt signal.
 6. The WLAN access point of claim 1,wherein the telecommunications services are UMA services.
 7. A method ofprovisioning telecommunications services through an access point, theaccess point being suitable for use as an access point to an IP-basedwireless telecommunications network to interface with a landlinetelephone, the method comprising: automatically determining if anidentification module is inserted into an identification module slot inthe access point, wherein the identifier module and the access point areconfigured to permit an end user to physically and manually insert atleast a portion of the identifier module in the access point; and if theaccess point includes the identification module, then automaticallyprovisioning a communications connection between the landline telephoneand the IP-based network.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein theidentification module includes a tamper-resistant memory, wherein thetamper-resistant memory has stored therein a subscriber identifier, andwherein provisioning comprises providing the subscriber identifier tothe telecommunications network.
 9. The method of claim 7, whereinprovisioning comprises registering with a carrier network to carry outvoice communications and receiving a resource allocation from thecarrier network.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein determiningcomprises using mechanical characteristics to detect the identificationmodule.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein determining comprises usingelectrical characteristics to detect the identification module.
 12. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising: if an identification module isdetermined not to be present, waiting a predetermined time period; andrepeating determining after the predetermined time period has passed.13. The method of claim 7, further comprising: generating an interruptsignal if an identification module is inserted into the slot; andprovisioning the telecommunications services in response to theinterrupt signal.
 14. The method of claim 7, wherein determining isexecuted during an initialization process of the access point.
 15. Asystem for managing use of an access point configured for facilitatingIP-based communications in a telecommunications system, the systemcomprising: a telephone connector component configured to accept aconnection with a landline telephone device; a network connectioncomponent configured to communicate with an IP-based network; anidentifier detection component configured to detect if a subscriberidentifier has been provided by a subscriber to the access point; and aconnection manager configured to provision a telecommunications servicesbetween the telephone connector component and the IP-based network ifthe identifier detection component detects that the subscriberidentifier has been provided and the subscriber identifier indicatesthat the telecommunications services is permitted.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, further comprising an identification module acceptorconfigured to accept an identification module having the subscriberidentifier.
 17. The system of claim 15, further comprising multipletelephone connector components, each telephone connector componenthaving an associated identification detection component, wherein theindividual identifier detection components are configured toindependently detect if a subscriber identifier has been provided andthe connection manager is configured to independently provisiontelecommunications services between the IP-based network and individualones of the multiple telephone connector components.
 18. The system ofclaim 15, further comprising an identification module slot configured toaccept an identification module having a subscriber identifier, whereinthe identifier detection component uses the impedance of theidentification module slot to detect if the identification module ispresent.
 19. The system of claim 15, further comprising a radiocomponent configured to provide telecommunications services using alicensed frequency band.
 20. The system of claim 15, further comprisinga radio component configured to provide telecommunications servicesusing an unlicensed frequency band.
 21. A system for managing use of anaccess point configured for facilitating IP-based communications in atelecommunications system, the system comprising: a network connectioncomponent for connecting to an IP-based network; a telephone connectioncomponent for connecting to a landline telephone; a means fordetermining if a subscriber identifier has been provided; a means forprovisioning telecommunications services between the telephone connectorand the IP-based network if the subscriber identifier has been provided.22. The system of claim 21, further comprising: an identification modulemeans configured to accept an identification module, wherein theidentification module includes a tamper-resistant memory and wherein thetamper-resistant memory has stored therein the subscriber identifier,wherein the means for determining uses electrical characteristics of thetelephone connector component to detect the identification module, theelectrical characteristics comprising one or more of the following:resistance, capacitance, or inductance.
 23. The system of claim 21,further comprising: an identification module means configured to acceptan identification module, wherein the identification module includes atamper-resistant memory and wherein the tamper-resistant memory hasstored therein the subscriber identifier.
 24. The system of claim 21,further comprising: a means for determining billing information for thetelecommunications services based at least in part on the subscriberidentifier.
 25. The system of claim 21, further comprising: a means forreceiving a street address associated with the subscriber identifier,wherein the means for provisioning is configured to provision thetelecommunications services only if the street address is received. 26.The system of claim 21, wherein the means for determining is configuredto generate an interrupt signal when the subscriber identifier has beenprovided and wherein the means for provisioning is configured toprovision the telecommunications services in response to the interruptsignal.
 27. The system of claim 21, wherein the means for determining isconfigured to periodically attempt to determine if the subscriberidentifier has been provided.
 28. The system of claim 21, furthercomprising a radio component configured to provide telecommunicationsservices using a licensed frequency band.
 29. The system of claim 21,further comprising a radio component configured to providetelecommunications services using an unlicensed frequency band.
 30. Amethod for provisioning voice communications between an access point anda telecommunications system, the method comprising: receiving aregistration signal from the access point, wherein the signal includes asubscriber identifier received from a user-provided memory device thatstores the subscriber identifier in tamper-resistant memory; comparingthe subscriber identifier to a range of values; finding a street addressassociated with the subscriber identifier; and selectively provisioninga telecommunications services between the access point and thetelecommunications network, based at least in part on the comparison andon whether the street address was found.
 31. The method of claim 30,wherein provisioning a telecommunications services comprisesprovisioning the telecommunications services if the value of thesubscriber identifier is within the range of values and rejecting thetelecommunications services if the value of the subscriber identifier isnot within the range of values.
 32. The method of claim 30, furthercomprising determining call billing information based at least in parton the subscriber identifier.
 33. The method of claim 30, furthercomprising: receiving connection type data from the access point, theconnection type data including information to indicate service,equipment, or radio capabilities of the access device; and determiningcall billing information based on the subscriber identifier and theconnection type data.